en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy (DOE HGEO) announced on June 10 that it will invest $3.6 million to support nine design and engineering projects. These projects will utilize transformative technologies to retrofit or repurpose existing coal-fired power plants, aiming to address wastewater system issues and enhance the efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and performance of coal and natural gas utilization, thereby strengthening the backbone of the U.S. power grid and ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy when they need it most.

These efforts are intended to advance President Trump's executive orders on revitalizing the U.S. coal industry and enhancing grid reliability and security, restoring energy policies that prioritize reliable electricity, affordability, and American workers.

Curt Coccodrilli, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy, stated that U.S. coal-fired units are the backbone of energy dominance and economic strength, but long-term policies have damaged this industry, threatening grid stability and driving up consumer costs. Through today's project investments, the agency is supporting existing coal-fired power plants to ensure they continue to provide affordable and reliable electricity.

Projects have been selected under three topic areas, aimed at quickly and cost-effectively restoring the stability of the nation's bulk power system while finding beneficial uses for waste generated from coal-based energy production. Projects are executed in three phases: Phase One completes design and engineering, Phase Two completes final engineering and detailed design, and Phase Three completes technology implementation and validation. Institutions receiving Phase One funding include: Baker Hughes Energy Transition LLC, Heartland Water Technology Inc., the University of Kentucky Research Foundation, and the University of Wyoming, which will study innovative systems for treating and managing coal-fired power plant wastewater to reduce operating costs, increase water reuse, and improve commercial byproduct recovery rates.

Hallador Power Company LLC will advance the engineering, design, and implementation of natural gas dual-fuel retrofits, enabling the plant to switch between coal and natural gas based on cost or availability.

East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc., Hallador Power Company LLC, the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, and Zolo Carbon Smartech Inc. will develop and test transformative boiler systems that allow plants to co-fire natural gas and coal simultaneously, enhancing operational flexibility.

DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory (under the jurisdiction of HGEO) will manage these selected projects.

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